Veteran's Day Promotions Support the Military

Veteran's Day, November 11, is an important opportunity to show appreciation to our military and some well-known business are getting in on the act. Several popular restaurants are serving free meals and making donations to military organizations.

Coffee Donation From Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts and its employees supported the troops with donations of its packaged coffee since 2003. Now customers can get in on the action. From November 1 through November 14, purchase two one-pound bags of coffee from participating Dunkin' Donuts locations or online and the company will donate an additional bag, up to 100,000 pounds, to the USO.

The USO will determine the best use of donations based on need, but some possibilities include using it on military bases, at events to deploy or welcome troops, in USO Centers and care packages. Visit the Dunkin' Donuts website for additional details.

Complimentary Entrée at McCormick and Schmick's
On Sunday, November 7, participating McCormick and Schmick's locations will host a Veteran's Appreciation Event. Now in its twelfth year, this event honors veterans with a free entrée from a limited menu. The restaurant highly recommends reservations because space is limited. Make reservations online at McCormick and Schmick's

Here is the fine print:
"The McCormick & Schmick's Veterans Appreciation Event is offered at participating restaurants to veterans defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Veterans must present proper identification. Examples include: VA Card, VFW Card, American Legion Card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID. In an effort to accommodate as many veterans as possible, many restaurants will not be able to seat parties larger than six."

Free Breakfast for Veterans at Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee thanks veterans with a complimentary breakfast on Thursday, November 11. The breakfast buffet is available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hy-Vee supermarket locations with in-store dining. Check with local stores for complete details.

Free Bloomin' Onion and Beverage at Outback Steakhouse on Veteran's Day
On Veteran's Day, Outback Steakhouse invites military members to come by for a free Bloomin' Onion appetizer and beverage.

Here is the fine print for this offer:
"This offer is available to the following Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications on November 11, 2010: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card; U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card; Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES); DD form 214; Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW); photograph in uniform; and wearing uniform."

Outback Steakhouse is currently collecting donations for Operation Homefront.

Free Entrée at Applebee's on Veteran's Day
All veterans and active duty military members eat free at Applebee's on November 11. The mini menu of eligible entrées includes popular favorites such as a 7-ounce steak, cheeseburger, pasta and fried shrimp.

This offer does not include beverage and requires proof of service, such as U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), photograph in uniform, wearing uniform, Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW) or DD214.

Show support for veterans by leaving a message on Applebee's Honor Our Veterans page.

Free Meal at Golden Corral
Now in it's tenth year, Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday does not take place on Veteran's Day. This allows veterans to attend traditional community events, such as parades, and receive the complimentary meal. On Monday, November 15 a free meal and beverage is available for any person who has served in the U.S. Military (retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves).

During this event, Golden Corral also collects donations for the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Note: This offer does not specify a time, but Golden Corral typically serves dinner from 5 to 9.